Would Gandalf ever discipline Hobbits? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Fingolfin II · 12-01-2008, 08:40 PM

In regards to answering Mansun's exact question, whether Gandalf would strike a hobbit out of sheer anger, I think the answer is overwhelmingly no. Though the question was probably based on the books, I agree with those people who think that the movies have resulted in some misconceptions regarding the main characters' willingness to use physical violence (Gandalf dragging Sam, pulling Merry and Pippin's ears; Aragorn killing the Mouth of Sauron, etc.), just as a side point.

In regards to what I think Mansun meant - would Gandalf use violence (the clip on the ear, tap on the wrist type) to discipline hobbits - I think he might, but only in the context described by Rumil: if someone else's safety was at stake. However, such hypothetical physical discipline wouldn't be permanently disabling (obviously) or borne out of 'sheer anger'. Certainly I can't envisage him swatting someone over the head with his staff just for stealing his pipe.

Though this isn't strictly pertaining to the original topic, I think the idea of hobbits as 'children' is fascinating; certainly I think despite Gandalf knowing best out of everyone that they are not and should be treated as adults, their ignorance regarding the wider world and own self-contained mannerisms certainly echo traits of children you probably wouldn't find in an Aragorn or a Boromir....but I guess that's a topic for another thread...

P.S. It's nice to be back here after a long time

Nerwen · 12-01-2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mansun

Your riddle and though process above reminds me a lot of Gollum, by the way.

Uh.... why? It's written in the first person singular, contains verb-subject agreement and doesn't say anything about fish at all.

EDIT: It does mention Gollum, though. Perhaps that's why it made you think of him.

12-01-2008, 08:40 PM	#1
Fingolfin II Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Where you want me to be Posts: 1,036	In regards to answering Mansun's exact question, whether Gandalf would strike a hobbit out of sheer anger, I think the answer is overwhelmingly no. Though the question was probably based on the books, I agree with those people who think that the movies have resulted in some misconceptions regarding the main characters' willingness to use physical violence (Gandalf dragging Sam, pulling Merry and Pippin's ears; Aragorn killing the Mouth of Sauron, etc.), just as a side point. In regards to what I think Mansun meant - would Gandalf use violence (the clip on the ear, tap on the wrist type) to discipline hobbits - I think he might, but only in the context described by Rumil: if someone else's safety was at stake. However, such hypothetical physical discipline wouldn't be permanently disabling (obviously) or borne out of 'sheer anger'. Certainly I can't envisage him swatting someone over the head with his staff just for stealing his pipe. Though this isn't strictly pertaining to the original topic, I think the idea of hobbits as 'children' is fascinating; certainly I think despite Gandalf knowing best out of everyone that they are not and should be treated as adults, their ignorance regarding the wider world and own self-contained mannerisms certainly echo traits of children you probably wouldn't find in an Aragorn or a Boromir....but I guess that's a topic for another thread... P.S. It's nice to be back here after a long time __________________ Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.